Lumber-rule



(No Model S. G. HAMILTON, J1.

LUMBER RULE.

No. 372,673. Patented Nov. 8, 1887.

Wfnem R x M 1006560 M (5404x224 D M 7. 4J1;

Fries.

SAMUEL C. HAMILTON, JR, OF BIDDEFORD, MAINE.

LUMBER-RULE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 372,673, dated November 8, 1887.

Application filed April 15, 1887. Serial No. 234,876.

(No model.)

Jr., of Biddeford, in the county of York and State of Maine, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Scale-Rules; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, and to letters of reference marked thereon, which forms a part of this specification.

My invention relates to scale-rules such as are used for scaling boards, planks. 810.; and it consists of a scale-rule having adjustably attached to the end thereof a piece of markingchalk or its equivalent. Hitherto such scalerules have been constructed with a flange at the end for holding one end even with the edge of the board. Vhen in use, the rule is laid across the board, the flange on its end resting against the edge. The figures are then 11 ad from the scale and the board marked by a piece of marking-chalk. It will thus be seen that when using the old form of scale-rule both hands are occupiedone hand holding the rule while the other holds the chalk. In cold weather, when it is necessary to wear gloves or mittens, it is difficult to hold the chalk in thehand. Forthisreasonpersonsscalinglumber frequently tie the marking-chalk to their wrists.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which A is the scale-rule. B is a flange secured to the end of the rule, and having a recess or opening of su'tficient size to hold a piece of markingchalk, O. D

is a thumb-screw passing through the flange B, to clamp the chalk in position. The chalk is sharpened at both ends and clamped in the recess of the flange in such a manner that the ends project beyond each face of the rule.

In using the device the rule is held in one hand and laid across the board, and the figures are then marked on the board, the rule being held as in the act of measuring. It is thus seen that by the use of my invention one hand is enabled to do the work which before required two, and to do it in a much more effective manner. The rule furnishes a good handle for manipulating the chalk, and is much more easily held when the hands are numb than the chalk alone.

The same device on a carpenters rule furnishes a convenient means for marking lines parallel to the edge of a board.

I do not limit myself to the exact means here shown for holding the marking-chalk in position, as many other forms of clamp may be used.

I claim- As a new article of manufacture, a lumberrule consisting of a single stick having on the flat faces thereof suitable scales, and having at its end a clamp adapted to hold a piece of chalk, substantially as shown.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

SAMUEL O. HAMILTON, JR,

XVitnesses:

S. WV. BATES, A. M. SAMPSON. 

